Hiroshima Retains 10 Players, Tsuji Departs: A Summary of Recent Transfer Market Movements

Hiroshima continues contract with 10 players, Tsuji leaves

We will summarize the movements of the transfer market that were released from the evening of May 22nd (Monday) to 15:00 on May 24th (Wednesday).

Levanga Hokkaido
Contract continuation
Tsukasa Nakano
Panasonic Yuta

Nakano will be in his 6th season next season, including his time as a special designated player. He scored 7.2 points in 56 games this season, including 34 starts. In addition to his signature shooting ability, defense is also expected. In his rookie season, Matsushita has played in 58 games, including 21 starts. His contribution on the defensive side was great and worked to hold down the starting point of the opponent firmly. Further growth can be expected next season.

Ibaraki Robots
Contract continuation
Mitsutsune Hirao

“Mr.Robots” will reach its 7th season, the longest season for the team, next season. Although the playing time has decreased this season, he recorded 8.6 points, which is the top Japanese on the team. As a captain who knows Ibaraki, he has been seen many times to inspire the team.

Contract expiration
Richard Glessman Head Coach

He has commanded Ibaraki for three seasons since the 2020-21 season in the B2 era, and this season has a record of 23 wins and 37 losses. The season started with an offensive roster that made use of mobility, and both offense and defense were stepped up from last season.

Utsunomiya Brex
Contract continuation
Shinji Takashima

Joined Utsunomiya as a special designated player from the middle of this season and participated in 39 games. He excelled in high-probability 3-point shots and defense. At the end of the season, he started the lineup and recorded double-digit scores in three consecutive games in response to the expectations of the team. Next season will be a rookie season, but it seems that he will hold the key to Utsunomiya’s reinstatement.

Kyoto Hannary’s
new contract
Satoru Maeda

Electric shock transfer from Kawasaki Brave Thunders. Although the roster has not yet been solidified, it is expected that the playing time and stats will increase. Yuta Okada, who also made a surprise transfer, became a joint battle since Toyama Grouses, and a very exciting duo was born.

Contract continuation
Kanta Mizuno

Although his playing time decreased in the second half of this season, he played a central role in the team as he spent more than 30 minutes on the court until the middle of the season. In the next season, which will be his third year as a professional, further steps up are desired in both offense and defense.

Osaka Evessa
Contract continuation
Joji Takeuchi

A famous local player who has been leading the Japanese national team for a long time becomes the first contracted player in Osaka. He has reduced his playing time a little this season, but he has shown his presence in rebounding and defense. I would like to expect the struggle of the big veteran who will be 39 years old next season.

Contract continuation
Matthias Fischer head coach
Leading Osaka for the first time this season with 27 wins and 33 losses. After deejay Newville, everyone succeeded in developing basketball. In particular, the improvement in defense was remarkable, and he thoroughly defended and ran well, and won many times from higher-ranking teams.

Hiroshima Dragonflies
Contract continuation
Ryo Terashima
Asayama Shogo
Isaiah Murphy
Seiya Funayu
Kelly Blacksheer Jr.
Toshiki Uesawa
Kai Sot
Takuto Nakamura
Dwayne Evans
Nick Mayo

Hiroshima announced the contract continuation of 10 players at once. Terashima participated in 59 games as a constant starting guard and scored 10.6 points. He led the offense with speed that earned him the nickname “Flash.” Steel also recorded a career-high average of 1.4, and the struggle of defense was also seen. Veteran Asayama, who will turn 42 next month, continues. This season, he has been a role player, but his high-probability 3-point shot is still alive and well. Murphy established a firm position as the opponent’s ace stopper. Although the playing time and stats have decreased this season, the impression is that the sense of stability has increased in the play. Funai is active as a utility player. On offense, he calmed the game and on defense, he showed that he could protect from ballman to wing. Black Sheer Jr. played well in Japan for the first time. In addition to playing inside, he was an all-around player with 40.9% 3-point shots and assists. Uesawa, who was in his second year as a professional, contributed to the team with a high-percentage 3-point shot. He didn’t get many appearances, but he became something of a secret weapon to score when given playing time. Sotto, who joined in the middle of the season, took a solid advantage in height. He is scheduled to challenge the NBA off now, and it has been announced in advance that if he wins the NBA contract, the contract will be canceled with Hiroshima. Nakamura, who joined in the middle of the season, will welcome his rookie season in Hiroshima. He has already secured his second guard position this season and is expected to grow further. Evans recorded the team’s top score as the center of offense. He also increased rebounds and assists, contributing to the team’s first championship advance. Mayo also supported the team with his all-round performance. In addition to 3-point shots with a high probability of 43.9%, he showed a wide variety of scoring variations such as post-up and pick & roll.

leaving
Naoto Tsuji

Two seasons have passed since the shock transfer from Kawasaki Brave Thunders to Hiroshima. He started every game this season and continued to lead the team. His experience with a powerhouse team had a positive impact on a side that had been at the bottom of the league, leading them to their first championship berth. Move his activity to a new place.